MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — State police said on Wednesday that they located the driver of a Nissan that struck a state trooper's vehicle in Middletown and fled the scene at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 3.
James Michael Paternostro, 30, of Old Saybrook, was identified as the driver of the 2012 Nissan Altima, police said.
According to the accident report, the state trooper, Sgt. Brian Irwin Lovell, was driving a state-owned Chevy Malibu traveling northbound on Route 9 prior to exit 21 in Middletown in the left lane.
Paternostro, who was behind Lovell, attempted to switch into the right lane when the trooper slowed for traffic due to a previous accident, the accident report said.
As Lovell’s Malibu slowed in front of Paternostro’s Altima, which was changing lanes, the Altima struck the Malibu on its rear side number and quarter panel, according to the accident report.
While Lovell was not injured, the accident report said Paternostro drove away from the scene.
State police said they later located the Altima at Paternostro’s residence and observed minor damage to the front bumper on the driver’s side, lining up with the damage located on the rear passenger’s side of the Malibu.
According to state police, Paternostro was located at the residence and admitted to driving the Altima when it struck the Malibu as he attempted to change lanes and pass the Malibu.
Following an investigation that included statements from Lovell and Paternostro, Paternostro was found at fault for following too closely resulting in a motor vehicle accident, according to the accident report. He was issued a misdemeanor summons charging him with evading responsibility and following to close resulting in a motor vehicle accident.
Paternostro was issued a court date in Middletown Court on May 21, state police said.
----
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
----
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
